Local chapter of American Cancer society in urgent needs of drivers

Program, called ‘Road to Recovery,' is free to patients

SAN ANTONIO – The local chapter of the American Cancer Society says it is in need of volunteer drivers to take patients to and from treatments.

"In my situation, I don't have a car,” said cancer patient Brenda Upton. “I haven't had one in a couple of years. (I would have taken) public transportation except my doctor forbid it when I was diagnosed with cancer."

The program, called ‘Road to Recovery,’ is free to patients.

"One of the values of this program is there are people that don't have a vehicle or someone to drive them,” Upton said. “Or if they've been in six hours of chemotherapy, they probably shouldn't jump in their car and drive home."

Upton also said she has formed a close bond with her driver.

"He's become a very good friend of mine. We discuss everything from soup to nuts on our way to my appointments and I never ever think about my doctor’s appointments, or my chemo appointments. He has been a godsend really," she said.

People interested in becoming a volunteer driver can go to the American Cancer Society’s website or call 1-800-227-2345.

Volunteers are required to have a valid driver’s license, proof of insurance and will take a training course.